In the Plum school board race, no candidate was successfully nominated on both the Republican and Democrat ballots despite 12 attempting to do so. With independent and incumbent Republican Joe Tommarrello winning a Democrat nomination back in the primaries, this race has four Republicans, three Democrats, and one independent vying for the four open spots.

Incumbent Angela Anderson and former teacher Ronald Sakolsky are joined by newcomers Devin Adams and Megan Chuderwicz on the Republican ticket while Renee Richardson, Justin Newman and Melissa Russell are representing the Democrat ticket. Anderson and Tommarello are the only incumbents up for reelection.

Here are the candidates and their responses to election questions posed by the Plum Advance Leader.

Devin P. Adams

Why did you decide to run for election? As a member of the Plum community, and as a proud citizen of the United States, I take great pride in ensuring that the future of both remain bright. For the future of the United States to remain optimistic, the future generations which Plum produces must be of exceptional quality. Should they be future leaders in large businesses, masters of essential trades, members of our Armed Forces or first responders, or small business owners, we must produce superb members of our community and country. Every borough, town, and city across this beautiful country must aspire to do the same. National success starts at the local level. Furthermore, I am confident that my status as a Coast Guard Academy graduate, active duty veteran, MBA graduate from The University of Pittsburgh, and professional experience in the financial industry—in the areas of crisis management, cybersecurity, and project management—provide me a formidable foundation which would enable me to contribute in a way that facilitates the superior and thoughtful development of our future generations.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Numerous issues bring strong emotions and thoughts to the surface for many, and several of these are indeed quite polarizing. Whether it be masking policies, vaccine mandates, the line many see in regards to sacrificing education for the sake of indoctrinating students, issues which impact our student athletes, rising childhood mental and physical health concerns, budgetary concerns, and countless others, our community members have very broad ranges of views on all of these topics. Most important to me, however, is that all members of our community—parents, students, and other critical stakeholders—are able to voice those stances without fear for their reputational status. As a free speech supporter, it makes no difference to me what one’s position is on any particular issue. So long as discourse remains peaceful and orderly, no citizen of this community (or any community) should feel threatened against voicing their concerns as passionately as they feel necessary. I will stand in the way of any threat made against this right to the utmost of my ability, regardless of which level of government or what group it comes from.

What should voters know about you? What I would most prefer that voters in Plum know about me is that I do have principles on which I stand very firm. If elected, I am likely to have disagreements with others on the board—Republicans and Democrats alike. However, I am also quick to seek common ground and will celebrate the occasion when we can find it in order to implement solutions which see the benefit of our students and district. Most importantly, even in the midst of passionate disagreements, I look at everyone in Plum on a personal level as neighbors, if not friends. This does not change with political persuasion or any other category some often use as wedges to try to divide each other. I care about every individual in this borough and will strive to respect all. As citizens of Plum, and as Americans, I think we could benefit from this mindset in a broader context. Thank you for your consideration.

Angela Anderson

Why did you decide to run for election? As a former educator and parent of students in the district, I decided to run for the Plum Borough School Board in 2017. I have served on the board for the last four years. Service in this role has been both challenging and rewarding. Over the last four years, we have made many positive changes for the district, and there is room for many more! I would welcome the opportunity to continue to serve our district in this capacity.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Serving on the board, and as the chair of the academics and activities committee for the majority of the last four years, has allowed me to have a deep insight into the education and experience of our student body. Four years ago, I would have said that we have many pressing issues to address. As it currently stands, I believe the district is moving in a very positive direction and we need to continue to have strong, professional candidates elected this year to continue this work. We need candidates who care deeply about education, excellence and fiscal responsibility and act with integrity in all things.

What should voters know about you? I have been a resident of Plum Borough for nearly 30 years. My husband, Tom, and I have three school-age children. All three of our children are active in athletics and extracurricular activities within the district. We are active members of our local church and active within the Plum community.

Megan Chuderewicz

Why did you decide to run for election? I decided to run for school board because I have a child that will soon be entering the district and think my diverse skill set of business, mental health, curriculum development, and common-sense leadership skills that I think would be an asset to the board.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? In my opinion there are several issues that need addressed. A common theme I hear when I speak to residents is that they feel their voices aren’t being heard. That a small group of people hold all the power, and they don’t have a voice. Other pressing issues are mandatory masks, mandatory vaccines, fear that the schools will close again, curriculum concerns, transparency, and wasteful spending.

What should voters know about you? First and foremost, I promise to listen and value every resident’s voice. I can’t promise that I’ll agree, but I will respectfully listen and let your voices be heard. I am a strong supporter of parent’s choice, will fight to keep our schools open, while being fiscally responsible and protecting your tax dollars from wasteful spending.

Justin S. Newman

Why did you decide to run for election? A. My reasons are two-fold. One, no one on the school board looks like me. I think the board should be as diverse as our community. A person of color has never been voted onto the school board in Plum, ever. I want to show my children to fight for what you believe in, and make a difference. The second reason is that I have a stake in the future of the educational choices with having 2 students in the district for the next decade. These decisions matter. As someone who is employed in higher education at Pitt and sits on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, I understand the importance of education and the impact it has on higher education. I know the steps needed to prepare students for the next step in their educational journey. I also understand the importance of a diverse group of voices and the amazing impact it can have.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The biggest issue to me is the lack of diversity, and that needs to be addressed on multiple fronts. We’re all unique in some form or fashion. We’re different races, religions, genders, etc, but in the end, we’re all humans. Differences should be acknowledged and addressed. Based on my knowledge and passion for the subject, I feel that I am the right person to handle this sensitive issue with tact and experience as my credibility.

What should voters know about you? A. I am taking on this challenge and leading by example to show my children to fight for what you believe in, and to make a difference by positively impacting as many lives as you can. I am very passionate about things I believe in, and I believe I can make a difference in this community. I am the co-founder of Barbecue Chicken University, which is a free sports program for area youth of all skill levels, to have a place to have fun and enjoy teamwork and have fun. We are on the verge of becoming an official nonprofit organization.

Renee M. Richardson

Why did you decide to run for election? It is important to me to make a positive impact in my community as well as to have diverse representation on the school board. I have been an active volunteer in the school district and community from the time my oldest son started at Plum. He is now a senior this year. My passion for giving back and making a positive impact in our borough has continued. I bring a diverse background of healthcare professional experience, community engagement, and professional leadership to the school board. All which is needed at this time as we navigate through the pandemic and how it affects our children and their education. It is important for school boards to be diverse representatives of their community and the children and educators they serve this allows for many perspectives to be heard and considered and to amplify innovation in ideas and decisions that impact our district.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The pandemic has certainly magnified and added challenges our district and community need to overcome. Keeping our kids in the classroom while providing a safe learning and teaching environment each child can thrive is key. This is different for each child. As a school board, it is our responsibility to recognize these differences and provide multiple solutions that can fit the needs of our families and provides support for educators and staff. Maintaining fiscal responsibility, inclusive learning environments, and a robust curriculum must also remain a big focus in the district.

What should voters know about you? Most importantly, I am wife to Shawn, and a mom to three, handsome, smart and loving boys in the Plum School District. They all motivate me each and every day. My husband and I are deeply involved in many community and school-related activities. I am a pharmacist with a 16-year career with a community grocery store chain pharmacy where I work as the senior manager of pharmacy community relations. My mission in life is to leave the world a little better than I found it. I would love to fulfill a piece of this mission by serving on the school board.

Melissa L. Russell

Why did you decide to run for election? I believe that if we want great schools and value great schools, we have a responsibility to help in creating great schools. Being a School Board Director is an act of service to the community and it would be an honor to represent fellow parents and citizens at this level.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Mental health and special education. I believe that the PBSD has made many improvements over the past few years and my goal is to build off and encourage the success. I am however most interested in strengthening mental health and special education services within our district. For meaningful education to take place many of our students need easier access to the tools and supports that will help them succeed. Obstacles need to be removed so that less time, money, and energy are wasted, enabling all of Plums children to have equal access to a quality education.

What should voters know about you? Politics have a place, but not in creating safe and thriving schools for our children. With 10 years experience as a special education advocate, I have dedicated myself to serving and fighting for all children and refuse to be swayed by political pressure. I am a mother, and a taxpayer who understands the need for hardworking, and empathetic board members to represent our community. Through purposeful listening, true understanding of community needs, and responsible compromise between board members, our schools can enable all children to realize their talents and reach their potential.

Ronald Sakolsky

Why did you decide to run for election? Ever since becoming a teacher 25-plus years ago I have wanted to be on the school board, but I had to wait until retirement. I believe I bring more experience than any other candidate with 25-plus years in the classroom, 30-plus years resident of Plum, state manager New Jersey and Pennsylvania for insurance company, parent of four Plum graduates, only senior citizen candidate (so I understand those issues personally) and lived throughout the world and experienced multiple diverse communities and schools.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I believe there is more than one and none more important than the other: vaccinations and covid, masks, transparency by its definition, fixed incomes, critical race theory, students first.

What should voters know about you? I have given to our community for over 30 years through education of our children our future. I sponsored the largest community service club, REACH OUT, in the area and allowed the students to run it, work it, and promote it. Students first is not just words to me but actions. I have learned that politics are nasty and people that don’t know you promote the negatives, but I have not and will not go negative and the Plum community has supported me throughout and hopefully will on election day. My reward has been the success of my students, it has never been about me. If you don’t know me, get to know me, before you critique me. Thank you Plum Boro and I hope you elect me for who I am and have been to our community.

Joe Tommarello

Why did you decide to run for election? I’m running because I plan to start my own family in Plum in the coming years. I want to continue to have a role in shaping the future of Plum School District. I’ll continue to build upon Plum’s strong educational foundation and cement our prominence among the area’s top districts, so that my children and all Plum students are prepared for a successful future. However, we must be compassionately aware of the tax burden on our citizens. I will always be an advocate for our taxpayers. They have a right to know how we are spending their tax dollars. I come from a single parent home where I watched my own father struggle to pay monthly bills and yearly school taxes, while still providing for his children. I understand the struggle some families go through. Serving on the board is my way of helping Plum families.

What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Our biggest challenges these past 18 months have been covid related; whether to open our schools and whether to mask our children. I voted to open our schools last year when others wouldn’t. I have supported a parents’ right to choose whether to mask their children or not. I’ve continued to fight for our parents, their rights, and their children. But remember this - this term is four years. Covid will eventually be gone. We must have proven leaders with a track record of protecting taxpayers and students. As current Finance Chairman, I presented a balanced budget with no tax increase. I will continue that work, if reelected. I’ll continue to fight for full day kindergarten. I’ll continue to fight for more government transparency. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Plum Board for almost six years. I have the most experience to offer, and can lead on Day 1.

What should voters know about you? I’m a Republican, running independently, on the Democratic ballot. I’m not endorsed by either political party. That’s a good thing. I have something to offer everyone, of all political parties. Local school boards should be about serving the taxpayers, the students and all of our stakeholders. Not about politics. If you’re tired of the current political system, the corruption, the never-ending infighting, then please vote for me. I’m proud to have a proven record of working across the aisle and being willing to do what is right, politics be darned. It’s been my goal to put Plum above politics. I can proudly say I have proven that. I hope that the Plum citizens will continue to put their trust in me, to protect their rights, their values, their tax dollars and their children. I’m just your “average Joe” citizen, trying to continue to fight for Plum families, as they deserve.

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